Shame - Quest set in Dragon Age

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You approach the location described by Odred, spotting the river close by. However, the house doesn't look abandoned at all, and in front of it, a young pregnant woman is arguing with a Templar in heavy armour. [[ [Approach them.] ->approach them]]

Mara - "You think I won't beat that stupid helmet inside out, Templar?" [[ [Continue.] ->house1]]

Darnel - "I'm not here to fight, I just want to know where he is." [[Excuse me, you're Mara?->house]] [[What's going on here? ->new]]

Darnel - "He's escaping? That stupid man! I'll bring him back Mara. I won't let him kill himself!" Darnel runs off. [[Don't worry, I just wanted to get rid of him. Odred is by the docks, I'll take you there.->Mara1]]

Mara - "Is that a threat? You ever been knocked out by a pregnant woman?" [[No, never. Can't imagine why.->2.3]]

Darnel - "Will you two stop? Listen, whoever you are, if you meet a man named Odred, please come straight to me. Not another Templar, mind you - just me. I'll make sure you're rewarded." [[Why? What has he done?->2.4]]

Mara - "Odred's crime is being a mage. And this lumbering pile of metal is his prison guard." [[ [Continue.] ->2.5]]

Darnel - "It's not that simple. I know him, and I know he's been sneaking out of the Circle to meet you. Most others would have reported it. I did not." [[ [Continue.] ->2.6]]

Mara - "Yeah? Who's askin'?" [[You're supposed to be dead.->2.2]]

Mara - "You... You're Darnel? Odred spoke of you. I'm sorry, I thought... Still, I really don't know where he is. It's not like him to disappear like this." [[ [Continue.] ->2.7]]

Darnel - This is serious. If I don't get him back to the Circle soon, he'll be branded an apostate, if it hasn't happened already. I'll be ordered to kill him. I can't... I don't want to do that. Where do you think he could have gone?" [[ [Continue.] ->2.8]]

Mara - "You're wasting words, Templar. You done us a big favour, lettin' Odred visit, and I thank you for that, but he's not going back this time." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred][$Odred to true]]<</if>> <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars][$Templars to true]]<</if>> <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape][$Escape to true]]<</if>> [[I think I know where he is.->Decision1]]

Mara - "Don't you tell him squat, stranger, you've nothin' to do with this. Don't you stand between a father and his child." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred2][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars2][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape2][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ [[ [Lie, side with Mara] I met him by the bridge leading out of the village. He was looking to buy a horse.->Mara]] [[ [Side with Darnel] He's by the docks, outside the Ale and Sail tavern.->Templar]]

Darnel - "You saw him? Very good. Mara, you must remain here. I will bring him back safe, I promise. Let's go." You and Darnel take off towards the docks. Mara tries to go after you, but trying to run with her big belly is difficult and she soon stops, hunched over with her hands on her knees. Mara - "Blast it!" [[ [Continue.] ->Templar1]]

Mara - "What you want to know?" <<if $Howmet is false>>[[ [Investigate] How did you two meet?->howmeet][$Howmet to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Odredlook is false>>[[ [Investigate] What does Odred look like?->look][$Odredlook to true]] <</if>>\

Darnel - "Not all Templars would... ah... be satisfied with bringing him back to the Circle. I want to help him. He - he's a friend. I think." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ [[I think I know where he is.->Decision1]]

Darnel - "He's never been one for rules, that man. We play chess some evenings, when others are asleep. Templars spending free time with Mages is... frowned upon. I've tried to explain to him why all of it is necessary. The strictures and... Anyway, he always just smiles and thanks me." A laugh escapes him. "So one night he tells me he's fallen in love with a woman, and, fool that I am, I forget about the rules too. But during our last game, he seemed uncertain. I'd never seen him like that. First time I ever beat the bastard... I should have seen this coming." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ [[I think I know where he is.->Decision1]]

<<set $Escape to false>> <<set $Templars to false>> <<set $Odred to false>> <<set $Howmet to false>> <<set $Odredlook to false>>

Mara - "Hah, well, when I first saw him I thought I never seen a man so content just to be walking down a street, I couldn't look away. He met my eyes with a smile, and asked if I'd spend a moment with him. We sat on the docks and ate mussels from a bucket, watching the birds." [[That story was actually quite boring.->Howmeet1]] [[Sounds nice.->Howmeet1]]

Mara - "Hm... Soft eyes, gentle waves in his hair, and a jaw that'll make your knees weak." She trails off, then realises everyone are looking at her. "I mean, uh, he's about Darnel's height, long black hair with a mustache and green eyes." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Howmet is false>>[[ [Investigate] How did you two meet?->howmeet][$Howmet to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Odredlook is false>>[[ [Investigate] What does Odred look like?->look][$Odredlook to true]] <</if>>\ [[I think I know where he is.->Decision1]]

Darnel - "He's never been one for rules, that man. We play chess some evenings, when others are asleep. Templars spending free time with Mages is... frowned upon. I've tried to explain to him why all of it is necessary. The strictures and... Anyway, he always just smiles and thanks me." A laugh escapes him. "So one night he tells me he's fallen in love with a woman, and, fool that I am, I forget about the rules too. But during our last game, he seemed uncertain. I'd never seen him like that. First time I ever beat the bastard... I should have seen this coming." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred2][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars2][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape2][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ [[ [Lie, side with Mara] I met him by the bridge leading out of the village. He was looking to buy a horse.->Mara]] [[ [Side with Darnel] He's by the docks, outside the Ale and Sail tavern.->Templar]]

Darnel - "Not all Templars would... ah... be satisfied with bringing him back to the Circle. I want to help him. He - he's a friend. I think." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred2][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars2][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape2][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ [[ [Lie, side with Mara] I met him by the bridge leading out of the village. He was looking to buy a horse.->Mara]] [[ [Side with Darnel] He's by the docks, outside the Ale and Sail tavern.->Templar]]

Mara - "What you want to know?" <<if $Howmet is false>>[[ [Investigate] How did you two meet?->howmeet2][$Howmet to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Odredlook is false>>[[ [Investigate] What does Odred look like?->look2][$Odredlook to true]] <</if>>\

Mara - "Hah, well, when I saw him I thought I never seen a man so content just to be walking down a street, I couldn't look away. He met my eyes with a smile, and asked if I'd spend a moment with him. We sat on the docks and ate mussels from a bucket, watching the birds." [[That story was actually quite boring.->Howmeet2.1]] [[Sounds nice.->Howmeet2.1]]

Mara - "Hm... Soft eyes, gentle waves in his hair, and a jaw that'll make your knees weak." She trails off, then realises everyone are looking at her. "I mean, uh, he's about Darnel's height, long black hair with a mustache and green eyes." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred2][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars2][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape2][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Howmet is false>>[[ [Investigate] How did you two meet?->howmeet2][$Howmet to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Odredlook is false>>[[ [Investigate] What does Odred look like?->look2][$Odredlook to true]] <</if>>\ [[ [Lie, side with Mara] I met him by the bridge leading out of the village. He was looking to buy a horse.->Mara]] [[ [Side with Darnel] He's by the docks, outside the Ale and Sail tavern.->Templar]]

Mara - "Then I hear a group of Templars shouting from down the street. As they chargin' us, Odred asks if I want to see him again - I said yes, didn't I - and he steps away from me with that big warm smile of his. The first Templar that reached him knocked him unconscious with his pommel. Didn't even try to defend himself." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Howmet is false>>[[ [Investigate] How did you two meet?->howmeet][$Howmet to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Odredlook is false>>[[ [Investigate] What does Odred look like?->look][$Odredlook to true]] <</if>>\ [[I think I know where he is.->Decision1]]

Mara - "Then I hear a group of Templars shouting from down the street. As they chargin' us, Odred asks if I want to see him again - I said yes, didn't I - and he steps away from me with that big warm smile of hi. The first Templar that reached him knocked him unconscious with his pommel. Didn't even try to defend himself." <<if $Odred is false>>[[ [Investigate] Could you tell me about Odred?->Odred2][$Odred to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Templars is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why shouldn't I take this to another Templar?->Templars2][$Templars to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Escape is false>>[[ [Investigate] Why did Odred escape the Circle?->Escape2][$Escape to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Howmet is false>>[[ [Investigate] How did you two meet?->howmeet2][$Howmet to true]] <</if>>\ <<if $Odredlook is false>>[[ [Investigate] What does Odred look like?->look2][$Odredlook to true]] <</if>>\ [[ [Lie, side with Mara] I met him by the bridge leading out of the village. He was looking to buy a horse.->Mara]] [[ [Side with Darnel] He's by the docks, outside the Ale and Sail tavern.->Templar]]

Mara - "The docks, what's he... Never mind, let's go then." You go with Mara to the Docks. [[ [Continue.] ->Mara2]]

Odred, muttering to himself - "I'm sorry, Mara. So, so sorry." [[ [Continue.] ->Mara3]]

Mara - "Odred?" He turns and Mara sees his old face. "By the maker... Odred, what is this?" [[ [Continue.] ->Mara4]]

Odred - "You... I know you. Don't I?" [[ [Continue.] ->Mara5]]

Mara - "Don't you recognize me? Od, it's me, Mara. Your Mara." [[ [Continue.] ->Mara6]]

Mara - "Demon! What have you done to Od? Release him! At... At once!" [[ [Continue.] ->Mara8]]

Mara - "What's it mean? What's it talking about?" [[ [Continue.] ->Mara10]]

Shame - "I know I don't, mmmh, deserve it, but... he's mine. He was so delicious when I found him, worrying and fretting away. And now... he's almost perfect. And you - it was you he was worried about, you know. You started all this, by seducing him. Now, he must choose, and forever live with the shame of what he left behind." [[ [Continue.] ->Mara11]]

Mara - "That's not true! I love him - we love each other." [[ [Continue.] ->Mara12]]

Shame - "Mmh, you really are the sugary core of the fruit, seductress. Odred gave you a baby, abandoned the life he knew, doomed you to a life on the run. He felt so, so guilty, Mara. You did it all. To him." [[It's trying to twist your mind. You didn't inflict those things on him, Mara, you gifted them to him.->SuccessA]] [[It lies! Any doubt he must have felt is natural. The rest is the demon's influence.->FailureA]] [[It's trying to manipulate you. You never forced him into anything. His choices are his own.->SuccessB]]

You reach the docks and see Odred. Odred, muttering to himself - "I'm sorry, Mara. So, so sorry." [[ [Continue.] ->Templar2]]

Darnel - "Odred?" He turns and Darnel sees his old face. "By the maker... What is this?" [[ [Continue.] ->Templar3]]

Odred - "Eh? Who're you? Leave me to my misery." [[ [Continue.] ->Templar4]]

Darnel - "Your face... Stranger, stay back! This looks like a demon's work." [[ [Continue.] ->Templar5]]

Odred - "I... ghhhrraaaaah!" Odred clutches his head in his hands. A dark shadow materializes over his shoulders, hanging like a tattered shroud. An upper body and arms. It seems to press down on Odred with a great weight. Then, Odred begins to imitate its movements, as a puppet, although slightly delayed. Shame (high pitched, petulant voice) - "Who disturbs us? Ahh. The captor." [[ [Confused] What's going on? Is he possessed?->Templar6]] [[ [Mad] I hate bloody demons!->Templar6]] [[ [Arcane] This is no possession. That's a shade. They're like parasites. It must have warped Odred's thoughts and fed off them until it grew powerful enough to manifest. Be on your guard.->Templar6.1]]

Darnel - "No... it's a Shade... powerful. It poisons the thoughts of those around it, feeding off their negative emotions. Odred if you can hear me, Mara is fine! She's waiting for you with your child. Fight the demon!" [[ [Continue.] ->Templar7]]

Darnel - "What have I done? Odred, it's Darnel. I don't know if you can hear me, but you must fight it!" [[ [Continue.] ->Templar7]]

Shame - "But... he doesn't want to be released... do you?" Odred mutters frantically to himself, "Why did I leave you? I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Shame - "It's not my fault. Such a bright fruit must, must be... plucked. I know I don't, mmmhh, deserve it, but... he's mine. And you - you started all this, you know. Breaking your vows while lecturing him on his responsibilities, such hypocrisy. I saw the moment his resolve broke. Like the skin of a peach. And the juice... Too good, too good." [[You didn't rat Odred out. You're a good friend. That's worth something!->Success1]] [[Ignore it! Everything it says is an attempt to undermine you. Remember your training, Templar!->Success2]] [[You're a good person, Darnel. We all make mistakes.->Failure]]

Darnel - "Yes. Yes, you're right. I couldn't deny him that. How do we help him?" [[You're a Templar. Are you not able to sever the Shade's tie somehow?->Success2.1]] [[That Shade must die, one way or another! If Odred is in the way, it can't be helped.->Attack2.1]]

Darnel - "Yes. Yes, I remember. We trained for this. Block out emotions. Focus on the task. How do we help him?" [[You're a Templar. Can you not sever the Shade's tie to him somehow?->Success2.1]] [[That Shade must die, one way or another! If Odred is in the way, it can't be helped.->Attack2.1]]

Darnel - "And mine led to this. I'm a hypocrite. I've no right to call myself his friend. I can't even help him." [[Yes you can! You're a Templar. Don't you have the ability to sever a connection between a Shade and a human?->Failure2]] [[That Shade must die, one way or another! If Odred is in the way, it can't be helped.->Attack2.1]]

Darnel - "I may be able to purge the magic connecting the two. It will be a shock to Odred, so be ready to help him. All right." Darnel concentrates for a moment, then thrusts his sword at the demon, which shrieks and staggers back as blue flames envelop it. Odred crumples but you are there to catch him. The demon vanishes. Odred wakes up, back to his young self. He raises his head. Odred - "...Darnel?" [[ [Continue.] ->Failure2.1]]

Darnel - "Is this really what it has come to? I am so sorry, my friend." You and Darnel enter combat with Odred and the Shade. When you have killed Odred, the Shade vanishes. Darnel stands over Odred's body, muttering, "It's my fault." The Shade emerges over his shoulders. Darnel turns to the player, and his face is withered and old. He unsheathes a dagger from his hip. "I have shamed my order and my friend." He plunges the dagger into his heart and crumples. The demon vanishes with an echoing giggle. The quest is complete, and you can loot Odred for his enchanted wedding ring, and Darnel for his armour.

Darnel - "I may be able to purge the magic connecting the two. It will be a shock to Odred, but he should survive. All right." Darnel concentrates for a moment, then thrusts his sword at the demon, which shrieks and staggers back as blue flames surround it. Odred crumples to the ground. You enter combat with the Demon, and kill it. Odred wakes up, back to his young self. [[ [Continue.] ->Success2.2]]

Mara - "Bloody right, I did! How do we help him?" [[ [Attack Odred and the Demon] I have to kill him, Mara. There's no other way, I'm sorry.->Attack]] [[ [Ask Mara to try to get through to Odred] I don't think this is a regular possession, Mara. Try to reach out to him.->Reach]]

Mara - "No, it's right. I knew the risks, but I never stopped him from coming to visit me. It's my fault he's like this..." [[ [Attack Odred and the Demon] I have to kill him, Mara. There's no other way, I'm sorry.->Attack]] [[ [Ask Mara to try to reach through to Odred] I don't think this is a regular possession, Mara. He may be able to fight the influence. Try to reach through to him.->FailureA1]]

Mara - "Bloody right! My Od's a big boy, he can make his own decisions. How do we help him?" [[ [Attack Odred and the Demon] I have to kill him, Mara. There's no other way, I'm sorry.->Attack]] [[ [Ask Mara to try to reach through to Odred] I don't think this is a regular possession, Mara. He may be able to fight the influence. Try to reach through to him.->Reach]]

Mara - "No, please! Stop!" You enter combat with Odred and the Shade. When you have killed Odred, the Shade vanishes. You then see Mara sitting on the ground, a dagger in her hand. The Shade looms over her shoulders, grinning. Mara's skin has grown wrinkled and old. She's muttering to herself. Mara - "I forced your hand. It was me. My fault the Templars finally caught you. Slaughtered you. Why was I so selfish? We'll soon be together again, my love." Mara plunges the dagger into her heart and slumps over. The demon vanishes with an echoing giggle. The quest is complete, and you can loot Odred and Mara for a love letter from Odred and their enchanted wedding rings.

Mara - "All right. I'll try. Od, my love. It's Mara. Listen, if you can hear me, I want you to focus on my voice." [[ [Continue.] ->Reach2]]

Mara - "All right. I'll try. Od, my love. It's Mara. Listen, if you can hear me, I want you to focus on my voice." [[ [Continue.] ->FailureA2]]

Odred - "Oh... What... Darnel? Is that you? What's happening? Andraste's ass, my head feels like it's been resting on burning coals." [[ [Continue.] ->Success2.3]]

Darnel - "Well, you are definitely Odred. Here, lean on me. Come, I don't want to keep Mara waiting. I must admit to you I fear that woman's fury. I'll explain everything on the way." [[ [Continue.] ->Success2.4]]

Mara - "Od! Oh, are you all right? Where have you been?" [[He was under the influence of a powerful Shade. If it wasn't for Darnel, he'd probably be dead.->Success2.5]]

Darnel - "I only did my duty. And, I'm sorry, but that duty is not yet fulfilled. Odred, you must come back to the Circle. I - I can't promise your safety, but if they decide to... Well, I promise you I will make sure Mara and your child will want for nothing. [[ [Continue.] ->Success2.6]]

Odred - "Heh, I'd almost forgotten I didn't plan on going back this time. Darnel, I, uh, I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was leaving. I knew it would put you in an impossible situation. Um. So, what now? [[You and Mara should leave. You'll be hunted for the rest of your lives, but isn't that better than being a prisoner?->RunEnding]] [[You should go back to the Circle. No one needs to know about the whole Shade incident, and they might not brand you an apostate if you come back of your own volition. And since you seem pretty good at sneaking out, I'm sure you'll still be able to visit Mara every now and then.->CircleEnding]] [[You should go back to the Circle and accept their judgement. This could have gone a lot worse. You should face the consequences of your actions.->CircleEnding]]

Odred - "I... I can't make that decision for Mara. Well, not again, after what happened." [[ [Continue.] ->RunEnding2]]

Odred - "I suppose you're right. Mara my love, I can't sentence you to a life on the run. I promise you I'll visit, and if you ever need me, I'll be there. But I can't stay, not for good. And you, stranger, if you hadn't helped, I'd probably be dead. Thank you. Take this. Let's go Darnel, before everyone at the Circle have a fit." You receive gold and a magical item from Odred. Odred and Mara have a final embrace, before Darnel and Odred leave. You feel an overwhelming sensation of accomplishment for finishing your favourite quest in the game.

Mara - "Of course we're going! You think you can get away from raising this child that easy? And don't you give me that look Darnel. What - are you going to arrest Odred? Right here? Drag him back to the Circle?" [[ [Continue.] ->RunEnding3]]

Shame - "He's gone. And it's all your fault." [[ [Continue.] ->Reach3]]

Mara - "Do you - do you remember when that cutpurse threatened us with a knife? I kicked him so hard between the legs I was worried he'd die on the spot, and - and come back to haunt us or something. And you said, what was it - you said "He wouldn't dare haunt you, he doesn't have the balls," then you plucked the knife from his hands and cast a spell to ease his pain. Do you remember that Od? Please come back. I need you back. We both do." [[ [Continue.] ->Reach4]]

Shame - "You bore us. Leave, or I will - what? NO!" Odred has stopped mimicking the demon's movements. He's frozen on the spot, and his previously withered face is young again. Odred - "...Mara?" [[ [Continue.] ->Reach5]]

Shame - "No, you're MINE! Look what you've done, woman! You've taken him from me! Now, I'm all alone. ALL ALONE!" You and the demon enter combat. Odred helps you. Once it's killed, Odred addresses you. [[ [Continue.] ->Reach6]]

Odred - "Well. Uh. Thanks. Was that a Shade? I think that was a Shade. Was I - was I possessed? Oh my, I was possessed wasn't I?" [[Yes, you were under its influence. Mara managed to talk you back to us.->Reach7]]

Mara runs up and hugs Odred. Then she slaps him in the face. Mara - "You left me! I waited all night for you to show up, everything packed and ready, and you never showed up! Do you have any idea how worried I've been? It's been three days!" [[ [Continue.] ->Reach8]]

Odred - "Three days? I... I don't remember. Mara, I'm so sorry. The Circle must be looking for me by now. But... after what happened. I'm not sure I'm safe to be around." [[You and Mara should leave. You'll be hunted for the rest of your lives, but isn't that better than being a prisoner?->EscapeEnd2]] [[I would suggest you turn yourself in to the Circle. Look what escaping caused. What if something like this happened when you were with your baby?->CircleEnd2]]

Shame - "He's gone, woman. And it's all your fault." [[ [Continue.] ->Failure A3]]

Mara - "Do you remember when that cutpurse threatened us with a knife? I kicked him so hard between the legs I was worried he'd die on the spot, and - and come back to haunt us or something. And you said, what was it - you said "He wouldn't dare haunt you, he doesn't have the balls," then you plucked the knife from his hands and cast a spell to ease his pain. Do you remember that Od? Please come back. I need you back. We both do." [[ [Continue.] ->FailureA4]]

The Shade has vanished from above Odred. You follow his gaze and see Mara on her knees, a dagger in her hand. The Shade looms over her shoulders, grinning. Mara's skin has grown wrinkled and old. She's muttering to herself. Mara - "I forced your hand. It was me. My fault they finally caught you. Slaughtered you. Why was I so selfish? We'll soon be together again, my love." Mara plunges the dagger into her heart and slumps over. The demon vanishes with an echoing giggle. [[ [Continue.] ->FailureA6]]

Odred - "No!" Odred rushes to Mara's side and cradles her in his arms. "Wake up, Mara, I'm here. Please no..." [[I'm sorry Odred. There was nothing we could do.->FailureA7]]

Odred - "Leave me be. Leave!" You get an experience reward, and the quest is completed.

You turn to see Darnel. His face is withered and old. He's muttering to himself, "It's all my fault. I've shamed my friend and my order." He unsheathes a dagger from his hip, as the demon emerges over his shoulders. He plunges the dagger into his heart and crumples. The demon vanishes with an echoing giggle. Odred - "Darnel, no!" Odred pushes away from you and rushes to Darnel's body. [[ [Continue.] ->Failure2.2]]

Odred - "What's happening? Why is my friend dead?" [[I am sorry. You were under the influence of a Shade. It preys on guilt, and it seems Darnel had no lack of it.->Failure2.3]] [[He died because you were reckless. Darnel saved you.->Failure2.3]]

Odred - "What about Mara? Is she all right?" [[Yes, she's waiting at her house. You are free to escape as you originally planned.->EscapeEnd1]] [[She's fine. But I would suggest you turn yourself in to the Circle. Look what escaping caused. What if something like this happened when you were with your baby?->CircleEnd1]]

Odred - "Thank you, stranger. I will. I'm so sorry, old friend. My firstborn shall carry your name with pride. Odred gently lays Darnel down, then leaves. The quest is completed and you gain xp and can loot Darnel's body.

Odred - "Oh Maker, you're right. I never actually thought it could happen to me. But it did. I can't be around Mara and our child. Thank you stranger. Darnel, old friend, I'm so sorry. My firstborn shall carry your name with pride. Odred gently lays Darnel down, then leaves. The quest is completed and you gain xp and can loot Darnel's body.

Darnel - "The decision isn't mine to make. Mara?" [[ [Continue.] ->EscapeEnd3]]

Odred - "You're right. Damn it, you're right. I never thought it could happen to me, but it did. Mara, I'm sorry, but I can't stay. What if I lost myself around you or the baby? I can't allow that to be a possibility. I have to go back. [[ [Continue.] ->CircleEnd3]]

Mara - "Of course we're going! If you think you can get away from changing nappies that easy, you can think again! Stranger, I thank you. Don't have much to give, but take this, and travel well." You receive gold and a magical item from Mara. You feel an overwhelming sensation of accomplishment for finishing your favourite quest in the game.

Mara - "Whatever it is, Od, we'll deal with it. Just stay." [[ [Continue.] ->CircleEnd4]]

Odred - "Not this time. I can't. I love you Mara. Stranger, thank you for your help. Please take this." You receive gold and a magical item from Odred. He leaves. You feel an overwhelming sensation of accomplishment for finishing your favourite quest in the game.

Darnel - "I'm looking for a man named Odred. If you meet him, please come straight to me. Not another Templar, mind you - just me. I'll make sure you're rewarded." [[Why? What has he done?->2.4]]

Darnel - "I - well I... Fine. Go, before I come to my senses. Travel well, my friend." [[ [Continue.] ->RunEnding4]]

Mara - "Stranger, thank you. Don't have much to give, but take this, and travel well." You receive gold and a magical item from Mara. Odred extends his hand to Darnel, who after a brief pause, shakes it, then leaves. You feel an overwhelming sensation of accomplishment for finishing your favourite quest in the game.

You stand in the Ale and Sail, the only tavern of Stillwater, a small fishing village on the north coast of Ferelden. A smiling young woman with a round, rosy face is met by cheers from a table full of drunk men. Each time she comes back to serve them another round they cheer again. The air is thick with sweat, burnt meat, and old ale. A middle aged woman with steel in her hair vigorously sweeps the floor by the counter, muttering to herself, clearly distressed by something. [[Speak to Innkeeper Bea.->bea]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Eh? What do you care? Ye some sort of pervert?" [[I just wanted to help.]] [[Yes.]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Oh, I know just the way to address customers who come botherin' what don't need botherin'. So I say again, whaddye want?" [[You seem upset about something, so I was just wondering what's wrong.]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Knocked yer head on lintel comin' in, did ye? I ain't got the time nor the patience, so get leavin'. And if ye see that rabid ol' drunk outside, take 'im with ye. Might even be some coin in it for ye. 'Is name's Odred, ye can't miss 'im." [[Go outside.->speakodred]]

Innkeeper Bea - "All right, well if ye wanna make yerself useful, get rid of the drunk sitting outside me tavern. 'is name's Odred, ye can't miss 'im. Booze's melted 'is damn brain! Asked 'im to leave, an' ye wouldn't believe the evil that came outta him, it don't even bear repeatin'. Not in my tavern. Foul words." [[I'll see what I can do.->speakodred]]

You go outside. Sitting on a barrel near the entrance is an old man in clothing that was once expensive, but is now ragged and soiled with substances you'd rather not inspect too closely. His skin is white, wrinkled, and crusty, like wet parchment left in the sun. His head hangs low, only lifting to take a swig from a flagon of ale. As you approach, you hear him muttering to himself. Odred - "If only I had... No. Oh Mara..." [[ [Clear your throat] ->speakodred2]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Damn ol' drunk... bloody lost 'is mind, 'e has. I should crack this broom over 'is stinkin' - hm? Whaddye want? If ye want ale, ask Mags." [[You seem upset. What's wrong?->whatswrong]] [[Is that any way to greet a customer?->indignant]] [[Ale!->ale]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Don't even get me started. Customers're gettin' crazier by the day. Today it's the old drunk outside. 'is name's Odred, ye can't miss 'im. Booze's melted 'is damn brain! Asked 'im to leave, an' ye wouldn't believe the filth that came outta his mouth, it don't even bear repeatin'. Not in my tavern. Foul words." [[I'll take care of it.->speakodred]]

Odred - "Leave me alone. My death warrants no company." [[The Innkeeper wants you to leave.]] [[Your death? Are you dying?->ask]]

Odred - "No. This stagnant hole of a tavern will be my tombstone." [[Actually, I think I'll just throw you in the water when I'm done with you.->attack]] [[You're dying?->ask]]

The old man's lethargy seems to evaporate, and he turns to you with bared teeth and vicious eyes like windows into a burning building. Odred - "Touch me and I will split your bones and suck the warm marrow as you scream." [[Whatever you say, old man. Come die then.->attack2]] [[Whoa there, that escalated quickly. Settle down.->changemind]]

Odred - "I hope so. Trying to, anyway. Drinking my way there. I've tried before, but... I'm a bloody coward." [[Why are you doing this?->ask2]]

As Odred rises, a shadow darkens over his shoulders. It coalesces into an upper body. When it moves, Odred limbs follow with a slight delay. The shadowy demon looms over Odred, who is hunched as if under a great weight. Shame (high pitched, petulant voice) - "Hmmh. You disturb my snack. He just wants to die. Yet you interrupt him. Ohhh, how... arrogant. Look at what you've done to him, it looks like his back is about to... mmh... snap." [[What the hell are you?->Attack3]]

With uncanny suddenness, the old man returns to his lethargic state of drinking and muttering. He seems to have forgotten your presence. Odred - "Mara... Why did I leave..." [[Mara. You keep mentioning that name. Who is she?->ask1]]

Odred - "She was everything. And soon I shall join her. [[You're dying?->ask]]

Shame - "Shame." You enter combat with Shame and Odred. You must kill both. [[ [Return to Innkeeper Bea.] ->return]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Didn't I tell ye to leave me be?" [[The drunk was possessed by a demon. I handled it.->return2]]

Innkeeper Bea - "Ha! A demon! Ha, ha! Ye take me for a half-wit? Look, thanks much for the help, 'ere's a little somethin'. Off with ye now. A demon, 'e says. Ha!" You receive some money from Bea and the quest is completed.

Odred - "Because I left them. Left them with nothing, just because I was afraid." [[You mean Mara, the one you mentioned?->ask3]]

Odred - "Yes... She was with child, and about to be my wife. I - I panicked. Fled the city one night. When I came back, I found out they were dead. The flu. No one to take care of them, you see. I killed them. And now I go to face their judgement." [[But that must have been a long time ago. What have you been doing since then?]] [[That's a horrible thing you did. You deserve to die.]] [[Chin up. Bad things happen.]]

Odred - "Why did I leave them? I ask myself that every day, and the answer is always as simple as a knife in the gut: I'm a coward. I never deserved her. She lived by the river on the outskirts of town. You could smell it from her porch, clear and pure. And the house, it... it... I can't remember. Why can't I remember?" [[Would you like me to take you there?]]

Odred - "Doing? I don't... Oh Mara, I miss her so much." [[Hello? I asked you a question.]] [[That's a horrible thing you did. You deserve to die.]] [[Chin up. Bad things happen.]]

Odred - "Yes. I do. But why did I leave them? I ask myself that every day, and the answer is always as simple as a knife in the gut: I'm a coward. I never deserved her. She lived by the river on the outskirts of town. You could smell it from her porch, clear and pure. And the house, it... it... I can't remember. Why can't I remember?" [[Would you like me to take you there?]]

Odred - "What? I... Yes... NO! No, I must stay, drink. Die. But maybe... could you go? And come back, describe it to me?" [[I will do this for you.->Start]]